Live Nation has announced another initiative as part of its On The Road Again programme, which seeks to support people playing and working at its network of club venues in the US. This time it is rolling out higher minimum wages for people working in these venues.
The live giant said in a statement yesterday: "Moving forward, base pay for hourly club staff will start at $20/hour, while supervisor roles will start at $25/hour - with opportunity for advancement in the company".
"These increases will impact more than 5000 crew members", it went on, "who cover many different roles to support shows, including box office attendants, production crew, artist hospitality, guest services, ushers, parking attendants, cleaning crews, sustainability coordinators and more".
On The Road Again was launched in September, fronted by Willie Nelson, to support those playing and working in smaller venues where the live sector has faced various challenges since the COVID pandemic. Initial commitments through to the end of the year included extra cash for artists towards travel costs and the removal of merch commissions in participating venues, plus financial bonuses for local promoters, tour reps and venue crews.
Confirming the new commitments around wages, Live Nation boss Michael Rapino says: "Shows wouldn't happen without the unsung heroes who work in the background to help support artists and fans. In addition to developing artists, clubs also help industry professionals learn the ropes, and many of our promoters and venue managers worked their way up from smaller venues".
"The live music industry is on track for years of growth and offers a great career path", he adds, "and by increasing minimum wages we're helping staff get an even stronger start as they begin their journey in live".
